Near Death Experiences?

Angie's Take on Revealing Heaven: The Christian Case for Near-Death Experiences: How do near death experiences fit into Christian beliefs? A question I've often wondered. I was offered the opportunity to review Revealing Heaven by John W. Price and decided to explore this theological question that's been boggling me. What about you? Is it something you've wondered? I have.

I never believed in the stories until something happened I couldn't explain. Several years ago I was a youth ministry director. One of my ministry kids was in a roll-over accident on the way to church, but I didn't know. I expected her for bell choir practice. She'd missed church and I had just asked if anyone saw Jenna.

Then I looked up at the entryway and there she stood. I called out, "Jenna, come on. We're starting." Everyone looked at me and looked at the door and back at me. They saw nothing. I looked back at the door and she was gone. Later that afternoon I found out she'd passed away a few hours before I "saw" her.

But that wasn't the end. She visited me twice more. The last time was the day her family buried her ashes in private. I had no idea. The small ceremony was early in the morning and the family told no one. I woke up from what I thought must be a waking dream where Jenna said goodbye to me. I still have a very clear memory of it. Weeks later I had lunch with Jenna's mom. I hesitated to tell her, not wanting to cause pain, but felt compelled. It was at that lunch I learned Jenna's ashes were buried at the same time I thought I was dreaming of her saying goodbye. The oddity was that I wasn't asleep. I was simply lying in bed with my eyes closed. A further oddity was that Jenna's mom had been hearing stories like this from other people. Mine wasn't unique and none of us knew about the others.

So do near-death experiences happen? I'm thinking they do if I could experience something I didn't think possible. At least I will no longer scoff or try to explain them away. There are things in life and beyond life that God knows and I don't. I'm willing to acknowledge I don't understand it all. Read this book and see what you think.

About the book: Revealing Heaven: The Christian Case for Near-Death Experiences Millions has the testimonies of those who have been to heaven and returned. But what do these stories mean for Christians? How do they fit with what the Bible teaches? What do they say about who goes to heaven? After hearing over 200 accounts of near-death experiences, the Reverend John W. Price narrates the stories of these eyewitnesses and now makes a case not only for why Christians can trust near-death accounts but for why we should treat these amazing stories as precious gifts from God.

About the author: John W. Price serves as a pastor and spiritual director and was a chaplain at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston. He is also a member of the Near Death Experience Research Foundation, which has the largest near-death experience website in the world.

Icecutter’s Daughter by Tracie Peterson

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance introduces Icecutter’s Daughter Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2013) by  Tracie Peterson   Angie's Take: I always love Tracie's writing ability, but this one is special. I love her name, nice pick, Tracie ;) and I love her family occupation. I haven't heard of other books about ice cutters so this was a delightful change of pace from seamstress, rancher, etc. A lot of the names in the book were fun for me because my heritage is Swedish on my mother's side. But I married a fellow of German descent. Bonding with a character or a story happens when we connect to something familiar or something that fascinates us. I love getting immersed in Merrill's story world and learning through fiction because Tracie Peterson weaves tidbits of research seamlessly into her novel, the Icecutter's Daughter. She makes the historic world of Minnesota sparkle like the ice on one of its 10,000 lakes.

True Love

Please welcome my guest: Pam Hillman

True Love

How much more talk about roses, chocolates, and romantic dinners can we stand? It’s all been said, it’s all been done, over and over and over.

There’s nothing new under the Valentine’s Day sun.

Or is there?

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about the day itself, it’s about the days, weeks, months, and years leading up to the actual day. Seriously, I’ve never known of anyone just popping up on February 14th and presenting a complete stranger with roses, a ring, and a declaration of love.

Love at first sight?

On Valentine’s Day…literally? I’m not saying it doesn’t happen, but odds are that any guy who makes a romantic declaration on February 14th has some kind of emotional connection with the girl already. If not, I’d say his motivation is highly suspect.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I like roses just as much as the next girl, and I have nothing against chocolate, so we’re good there. But bear with me…

What is true love? Is it found in roses and fancy dinners?

No…

True love recognizes that when the chips are down, sticking together is all that matters.

True love wipes her tears when the promised promotion falls through.

True love is when she knows he longs to give her the world, but can barely cover the rent for another thirty days.

True love holds her when her heart is breaking over another year gone by without a child.

True love sees her faults and accepts them.

True love listens.

True love remains by his side when he’s old and feeble.

True love gives his heart.

And, yes, a true Valentine might also give roses, chocolates, and a romantic dinner if the mood strikes, but when he’s already given his heart….what else matters?

For a host of true love moments that happen spontaneously, visit Pam’s Seekerville post from yesterday, Things That Make You Go Awwwwww.

~

Breaking News!!!

Claiming Mariah is

ON SALE for $1.99 February 10-16th

Click here for links to your favorite etailer

>>>> Tyndale ebook Promos <<<<

Mark your calendar, put a string on your finger, tattoo your forehead, but whatever you do,

don’t let this opportunity slip by. The #Digital1st authors are counting on you!

 To celebrate, Pam is giving away two eReaders (choice of Kindle Wi-Fi, 6" Display, or Nook Simple Touch)

Two Winners: One on facebook. One through Pam’s Newsletter.

Facebook Drawing for Kindle/Nook

Pam’s Newsletter

Registering both places is not required but will double your chances of winning. Also keep in mind that you will receive updates more often being connected on facebook than through the newsletter. Just sayin’
Contest runs from January 1st until March 31st, 2013.

And....that’s not all! There will be prizes offered randomly throughout the tour.

Click here to View Current Giveaways!

(1 Year Subscription to E-cards by Jacquie Lawson)

PREVIOUS STOP ON TOUR:

February 12th: Seekerville

NEXT STOP ON TOUR:

February 14th: Calico Trails

Click for a Complete List of Stops Along the Tour

www.pamhillman.com

Win a Glacier Bay Prize Pack for Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska

Angie's Take:  What a treat to read this book by authors, Tricia Goyer and Oceanna Fleiss. I'm impressed by the seamless story telling between the two partner writers. I also really enjoyed their character, Ginny Marshall, as she listened to her heart to take a risk at a major crossroad in her life. That spoke to me because often we rush into the dream we think we have and miss the part where God said to take a turn on our journey to His plan for our lives. A great story question is raised though. Does a skewed childhood perception still rule our adult world? Another great story question: Would you be willing to give up a dream for love? Great things to explore in the lovely story of Ginny Marshall in Love Finds You in Glacier Bay Alaska.

About Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska: 

Singer Ginny Marshall is one signature away from the recording contract of her dreams-a deal that would guarantee success for the former foster child, who still struggles to bury the memories of her painful childhood. But Ginny needs advice from the one person who will look out for her best interests-her former fiancé, Brett Miller. She travels to the remote town of Glacier Bay, Alaska, where the town's colorful characters and stunning scenery provide respite from LA's pressures.

In Glacier Bay, Ginny discovers a box of old letters and is swept up in the love story between Clay, an early missionary to Alaska Territory, and Ellie, the woman who traveled there to be his children's governess. When Ginny is reunited with Brett in Glacier Bay, will she discover-as Ellie did-that healing and love are sometimes found in the most unexpected places?

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/gQiNn    

Meet the Authors:  Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of over thirty books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

Find out more about Tricia at http://triciagoyer.com.

  

Ocieanna Fleiss is a published author 

and editor. She lives with her husband and their four children in the Seattle area.

Find out more about Ocieanna at http://ocieanna.com/.

Here's a link to what others think of this book:
http://litfusegroup.com/author/Tgoyer 

Celebrate with Tricia and Ocieanna by entering their "Glacier Bay" Giveaway and RSVPing for their Facebook Party on Feb. 12th!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A gorgeous handmade “Glacier Bay” bracelet
• A handmade cowl in "Glacier Bay" blues and greens
• A bottle of custom-made "Glacier Bay" sparkle polish in blue
• Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss and their two other “Love Finds You” titles {Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana, and Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington}

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 11th. Winner will be announced at the "Glacier Bay" Author Chat Party on February 12th. Connect with authors Tricia and Ocieanna, get a sneak peek of their new book projects, try your hand at the Alaska trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be great giveaways—gift certificates, books, and more!

So grab your copy of Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska, and join Tricia and Ocieanna on the evening of February 12th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. 

Hope to see you on the 12th!

Path of Freedom by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

The Christian Fiction Blog Alliance introduces Path of Freedom Abingdon Press (January 2013) by Jennifer Hudson Taylor
Path of Freedom, Angie's Take: I'm on a quest to read all of the Quilts of Love Books in the line. This is my third book and it's written by my friend and Faith Girls blog partner for over six years, Jennifer. Not having a peek prior, I didn't know more than it was an historical set with the Underground Railroad amongst the Quakers. I enjoyed the story very much. One thing really stood out to me about the heroine, Flora Saferight. How bullied she was as a child and how that affects a person into their adulthood. Flora's choices and personal thoughts really reflected a true sense of name calling and the struggle she had to overcome and forgive the behavior of others. I loved this look inside Flora because I think it's much more common than we realize in everyone's life.

Another thing I really enjoyed about Path of Freedom was the decisions the characters made to take on the adventure. Most of us do not leap into change. We struggle with the decision. I loved that Ms. Taylor allowed her characters to naturally engage in the process. The beauty in this book is how the characters responded to a calling on their lives even in the face of insecurity. That's true courage and a lovely fictional example of how we should respond in our lives. Bravo, Jennifer, for an engaging story that enriched my life for reading it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Hudson Taylor is an award winning author of historical Christian fiction set in Europe and the Carolinas and a speaker on topics of faith, writing and publishing. Her debut novel, Highland Blessings, won the 2011 Holt Medallion award for Best First Book. Jennifer's work has appeared in national publications, such as Guideposts, Heritage Quest Magazine, Romantic Times Book Reviews, and The Military Trader. She serves as the in-house Publicist at Hartline Literary Agency and co-owns Upon the Rock Publicist. Jennifer graduated from Elon University with a B.A. in Communications. When she isn't writing, she enjoys spending time with family, long walks, traveling, touring historical sites, hanging out at bookstores with coffee shops, genealogy, and reading.

ABOUT THE BOOK

3rd in the Quilts of Love series
When Quakers Flora Saferight and Bruce Millikan embark on the Underground Railroad, they agree to put their differences aside to save the lives of a pregnant slave couple. With only her mother’s quilt as a secret guide, the foursome follows the stitches through unknown treachery.

As they embark on their perilous journey, they hope and pray that their path is one of promise where love sustains them, courage builds faith, and forgiveness leads to freedom.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Path of Freedom, go HERE.


Watch the book trailer:

A Promise to Protect by Liz Johnson

Please welcome my guest blogger, Liz Johnson.

When I sat down to write my newest book, A Promise to Protect, I had no idea that my heroine, Ashley, would struggle with the same thing that I’d so recently dealt with. I discovered that while our backgrounds were very different, we both had misconception about being strong.

We live in a world where we’re told that we have to be tough, pull ourselves up by our bootstraps, and survive on our own. At least that’s the world I was living in about two years ago. I had just moved to a new city, started a new job, and left everything familiar 2,000 miles away. I’ve always been the independent type, so I figured I’d have no trouble setting up a new home for myself and finding new friends.

But things didn’t go exactly like I planned. The weekend that I moved to Nashville, it was hit with the worst flooding the city had ever seen. They call it a 500-year flood. I call one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. There aren’t words to describe what it’s like to sit utterly alone while rain pours down and the flood waters reach ever closer. To be afraid of going to sleep for fear that the water in my backyard would reach inside while I slept. I watched the news, trying to decipher what part of the city I actually lived in. Was I close to Bellevue, one of the hardest hit areas? How close was I to Pennington Bend or the rivers? The images on the television of flooded homes and fires only fueled my fear of this new life I was starting.

I don’t know why this move was different from the ones before, why I reacted so strongly, but somehow my fears and weaknesses were magnified and rushed through me like the raging waters that had devastated my new hometown. I promptly landed in the ER with a panic attack. Over and over my heart raced, my head spun, and I couldn’t breathe. The doctor assured me I was healthy and the symptoms were all from my mind.

So I could to be strong. Right? I could to hold it all together. I had to push down that fear and work through it. At least that’s what I told myself. And well-meaning friends told me that I’d be just fine. That I would make it through. That I was strong and capable of handling this. I’d started new jobs in new cities before, so how was this one different?

Ashley’s need for strength came from once being what she perceived as truly weak. When her college boyfriend beat her, she was unable to free herself from the abusive relationship. And her inability to escape put her brother in danger. Since then, she refused to let herself be weak or to rely on someone stronger for help.

Both Ashley and I were living in a “God helps those who help themselves” world. But that’s not what the Bible says. Paul said we should boast in our own weakness so that God's strength can be revealed all the more. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV) Boasting in my own weakness doesn’t come naturally for me—or for most people, I’d bet. In a world that says “Be strong,” God says, “You be weak, and I’ll be strong.”

I didn’t really want to hear this truth in the midst of panic attacks and my own fear. I wanted to know that I could pull myself out of the pain that filled my life. But I couldn’t. And God sent wonderful friends into my life to speak this truth to me when I needed it most.

Trusting in God’s strength, not my own, is an ongoing process. It’s regularly releasing that desire for control and boasting in my own weaknesses. It wasn’t until I gave up and asked God to show off His strength that he took away my fears and healed my body. And because I’d come to that truth, I was able to help Ashley boast in her own weakness so that God could come to the rescue.

I hope that my story and Ashley’s will remind you that we serve a good God, whose grace is sufficient and whose power is made perfect in our failings. I hope you’ll find and take the opportunity to boast in your own weaknesses this week.

Summary:
Navy SEAL Matt Waterstone knows about keeping people safe. When his best friend’s sister is attacked, Matt promises no harm will come to Ashley Sawyer–not on his watch. But Matt’s not the only protective one. Ashley will do anything to safeguard the residents of the battered women’s shelter she runs. She’s sure she can handle the threats she gets in return. What she can’t handle is the way Matt scales the walls around her heart. Yet when she falls prey to a crime web more sinister than she’d realized, trusting Matt could be the only way to survive.

Excerpt:
“Tristan is the closest thing I have to a brother. He’s worried about you, and so am I. Let me help.”

Fear flickered through Ashley’s eyes as she whispered, “Someone almost ran me over.”

“Tristan said something about a letter,” Matt pressed.

Ashley nodded. “When I got home that day, there was an anonymous note saying that someone wanted his property back.”

His gut clenched. What kind of jerk threatened a battered women’s shelter? “Listen, I’m in town for a few days. Let me look into things.”

She smiled up at him. “Thanks, but I got the note more than a week ago. If there was any danger, something else would have happened by now.”

As they reached her car, her smile died. He didn’t have to ask if she still thought the threat had passed as she took in the smashed windshield of her coupe. Tucked under a wiper blade, the person responsible for the mess had left a clear message.

If I don’t get what’s mine, you’ll get what’s yours.

Excerpted from A Promise to Protect © 2012 by Elizabeth Johnson. Published by Love Inspired Books.


About the Author:
Liz Johnson graduated from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations and set out to work in Christian publishing. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream—becoming an author. She is now a two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist, and A Promise to Protect is her fourth novel with Love Inspired Suspense. Liz makes her home in Nashville, TN, where she enjoys theater, exploring the local music scene, and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her two nephews and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. Keep up with Liz's adventures in writing at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com, or follow her on twitter @LizJohnsonBooks or Facebook.com/lizjohnsonbooks.

A Wild Goose Chase Christmas

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance introduces

A Wild Goose Chase Christmas from Abingdon Press (November 2012) by Jennifer AlLee
ANGIE'S TAKE: What a treat to be able to read and review books in the Quilts of Love Books line! Each one is so different and yet all of them have the same quilt theme. (I'll tell you here that I wrote #6 coming out in April, A Healing Heart, but not one of us collaborated. I had no clue what Jennifer AlLee's book was about until our editor put us all together in an email loop to chatter. But then I still had no idea what Jennifer's writing style would be like or how her story would unfold. She has a cast of interesting characters with great personalities. I've completely enjoyed reading A Wild Goose Chase Christmas. How lucky am I to be writing in this series with her? I think you'll enjoy it too. Pop over to www.quiltsoflovebooks.com to find the other books in the series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from Jennifer:
As I look back on my life, it's interesting to see where God's taken me, and where I took myself that God pulled me out of. I finally got back to writing, the dream of my heart. Since 1996, I've published numerous short stories, devotions and plays. I've also been active in church drama ministries, another passion of mine. My first novel, The Love of His Brother (November 2007, Five Star Publishers), was followed by The Pastor's Wife (February 2010, Abingdon Press) and The Mother Road (April 2012). A Wild Goose Chase Christmas is book two in the new Quilts of Love series. Besides being a writer, I am a wife and mom. Living in Las Vegas, Nevada, my family has learned how to enjoy the fabulous buffets here without severely impacting our waistlines. God is good!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Upon her grandmother's death, Izzy Fontaine finds herself in possession of a Wild Goose Chase pattern quilt that supposedly leads to a great treasure.
Of course, once the rest of the family finds out about the "treasure map," they're determined to have a go at the treasure themselves. And, if that weren't enough, Max Logan, a local museum curator, contacts Izzy and says that Grandma Isabella promised him the quilt. What is it about this quilt that makes everyone want it? Is Izzy on a wild goose chase of her own, or a journey that will lead her to the treasure her grandmother intended?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, go HERE.

Behind-the-scenes of Madily in Love with Lynda Schab

Fun new release from Lynda Schab inspires a few questions and answers! Come join us as we tour the behind-the-scenes of Madily in Love with Lynda.

All Madi Lee McCall wants is to fall madly in love again…with her husband.

ON WRITING:

What is the writing process like for you?
I honestly don’t have a process. I admire writers who can set word-count goals and stick to them, but that’s just not me. It really just depends on the day. Of course, deadlines are a huge motivator!

The main thing that gets me writing is knowing where I’m going with the storyline. I find that when I take the time to sit and think about what comes next, my fingers fly much more effortlessly across the keyboard. When I’m stuck, I’m much more likely to click on over to Facebook and play a few hands of Solitaire Blitz. Self-discipline doesn’t come easy for me.

What is your favorite and least favorite part of being a writer?
Favorite: The creative process. Thinking a story through from beginning to end and then seeing my vision come to life through the characters and situations I create.

Least favorite: Definitely the self-discipline it requires. As I mentioned above, time management is something I’ve always struggled with. Making myself sit down and focus when I know the basement needs cleaning, laundry is piling up, my office needs to be organized, or I want to watch the episode of Survivor I missed the night before is my biggest challenge.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
That’s easy: Apply the Butt Glue and just write. In spite of my battle with discipline, that book won’t get written unless I park my behind in the chair and start typing. Even when I don’t feel like it. Even when I have a million other things to do. One of my favorite quotes on writing is, “You can fix bad, but you can’t fix blank.”

ON MADILY IN LOVE:
What is Madily in Love about? Tell us a little about the plot.

About the book: Madi McCall is just coming out of a marital rough patch (you’ll have to read Mind over Madi for that whole story) and she’s trying to get her marriage back on track. But that’s easier said than done, especially because her mother-in-law has moved in, Madi’s recently started working again after years of being a stay-at-home-mom, and her kids seem determined to do everything they can to turn her hair even grayer than it already is. Madi attends a Revitalize Your Marriage with Romance class at church and gets some great tips…that fail miserably. All she wants is some peace among the chaos. And some quality time with her husband would be nice, too.

Your publisher tagged this series as “Delightful. Witty. Entertaining. Real. Poignant. Light-hearted Women’s Fiction at its best.” Can you expand on that at all? How does the Madi Series live up to this description?
While I certainly hope my stories are delightful, witty, entertaining, and poignant, the word in that description which I feel is most fitting of this series is, “real.” Women can relate to Madi because she battles with the same things we all do. No, not just chocolate, although that’s one of them! Madi has insecurities that affect her relationships – with her husband, her kids, her mother, her best friend, and God.

If there’s one thing I know is that we all have “stuff.” Maybe not exactly the same stuff as everyone else, but “stuff,” nonetheless. Madi helps us realize there are others out there who probably deal with their issues just as poorly as we do sometimes. But God’s grace is enough to cover our insecurities, our faults, and weaknesses, even when we mess up and our lives feel insanely out-of-control.

What do you want readers to take away from reading Madily in Love?Although this book has to do with the importance (and fun) of adding romance to marriage, the main thing I hope readers can take away is that even though life seems unmanageable, disorderly, and chaotic, God is always in control. One of the recurring phrases throughout the book—as mentioned by Madi’s counselor—is “Embrace this place.” In other words, no matter what you’re going through, recognize that it won’t last forever. And down the road, you might just look back and see just how that “unbearable” season was essential in moving you to a place of growth and necessary change.

Are you planning another book? If so, what is the story?I am currently working on the 3rd and final book in the Madi series, due out in the fall of 2013. It’s titled, Sylvie & Gold. Madi’s best friend Sylvie is preparing for her wedding (and if you’ve read Mind over Madi, you know who she’s marrying). With just a few weeks before the wedding, Sylvie is dealing with a lot: Her meddling and feisty soon-to-be mother-in-law, her son’s sexting issue, planning her mom’s sixtieth birthday party, and her fiance’s ex-wife, who has come back to town after a seven-year absence. Sylvie is normally pretty calm and collected. But her stress card is quickly getting maxed out. The question is whether she’ll completely lose her cool or find the happily-ever-after she longs for.
GETTING PERSONAL
Who or what inspires you?People in general inspire me. Whether it’s hearing a moving testimony or just witnessing someone’s positive outlook on life, I find inspiration to be a better person by various people I meet. A good message from my pastor, a pep talk from a friend, or a song I hear on the radio. Inspiration is everywhere. All that’s required is a heart to receive it.

What would be your dream job if you weren’t a writer?I would probably being doing something in the field of mental health, whether as a counselor or in research or something. Why people do what they do fascinates me and I love learning about human behavior. I’m constantly analyzing people and my husband is always telling me I should have been a psychologist. He’s probably right. In writing, I think this helps me in character development. Or an ice cream tester. Now that would be a dream job.

Is Madily in Love based on a specific portion of scripture?1 Corinthians 13 would be the chapter you’d expect me to respond with, right? Well, call me predictable. LoL. More specifically, Madily in Love is based on the 7th verse: “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” And Madi certainly has circumstances to endure.

Do you have a favorite personal Bible verse?My favorite verse is Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.” I recite this verse often! Because my mind is always so busy and distracted, I tend to stress out a lot. I need to keep reminding myself that God is God. He’s in control. And everything will be okay.

What do you do for fun and relaxation when you’re not writing?I escape to the movie theater with my refillable bucket of popcorn. I’m sort of a television/movie junkie, and I blame it on my need for a good story. I also enjoy just hanging out with my kids, playing board games or video games (although it’s been a while since I got crushed in Mario Kart).

How can readers connect with you?My website address is www.lyndaschab.com. I also have a blog with various writing and reading-related material at www.on-the-write-track.blogspot.com. You can also connect with me on Facebook and Twitter.

 

What a delight to have Lynda with us today. Thank you!

Angie

 

Lynda Lee Schab

 

 LYNDA LEE SCHAB BIO:
 Lynda Lee Schab got her writing start in greeting cards (Blue Mountain Arts, Dayspring) and from there went on to write articles and short stories (Mature Living, Christian Home & School) and in many places online (including www.Examiner.com and www.wow-womenonwriting.com). As a freelance writer, she works behind the scenes at www.FaithWriters.com and is a regular book reviewer for www.FaithfulReader.com. She is also the Grand Rapids Christian Fiction Examiner and the National Writing Examiner for Examiner.com and a staff writer for www.SharedSorrows.com. 

 

Mind Over Madi placed second in the 2008 ACFW Genesis contest, chick lit category, received a highly commended award in the FaithWriters Page Turner contest, and was a finalist in the 2007 RWA Get your Stiletto in the Door contest. Madily in Love was a semi-finalist in the 2011 ACFW Genesis contest. Lynda admits she has a lot in common with the character of Madi. Not only are they both addicted to ice cream, chocolate, and computer games, they struggle with the same types of insecurities and continually require a hefty dose of God’s grace. Lynda lives with her husband, Rob, and two teenagers in Michigan.

 

Lynda Lee Schab
www.LyndaSchab.com
www.on-the-write-track.blogspot.com

MADILY IN LOVE now available!

Mind over Madi now available on Kindle!

The Breath of Dawn by Kristin Heitzmann

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance introduces The Breath of Dawn Bethany House Publishers (November 1, 2012)
by Kristen Heitzmann   Angie's Take: I'd heard a lot about this author, Kristin Heitzmann, but never read her work before. A friend of mine told me on many occasions this writer was her very favorite. Now hearing those words, very favorite, made me curious. I had to read her work and find out why. The Breath of Dawn sounded intriguing. The first page told me. The skilled writing unrolled images of a movie screen from the first sentence. Okay, my friend is right. Kristen is a great writer. I'm not finished, but I can tell you I'm looking forward to immersing myself in Ms. Heitzmann's book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

From the time my dad taught me to read at sit-on-the-floor school when I was four—launching me past kindergarten into 1st grade—I have loved learning and expressing what I know through art, music, and especially writing. Education came easily, and I grew accustomed to having my work read and displayed. But breaking out of the family mold, I left college to marry my husband Jim (celebrating our 29th this year.) Since then, life and all kinds of research have provided the grist for my stories. We have three awesome adult kids, and one incredible teenager. (You might think I’m biased, but ask anyone who knows them.)

While home schooling my four kids, I wrote my first novel. I pitched it for publication, and it became the first of a five book historical series. Since then, I have written three more historical novels and nine contemporaries. The Still of Night was nominated for the Colorado Book Award. The Tender Vine was a Christy Award finalist and Secrets won a Christy in 2005.

People often ask why I started writing, and I say to get the stories out of my head. Some say they’d like to write a book, but I say if you’re not wracked with labor pains, there are easier ways to express yourself. Being a writer is a solitary, eccentric, and often compulsive path. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kristen Heitzmann Delivers Powerful New Romantic Suspense

Morgan Spencer has had just about all he can take of life. Following the tragic death of his wife, Jill, he retreats to his brother's Rocky Mountain ranch to heal and focus on the care of his infant daughter, Olivia. Two years later, Morgan begins to make plans to return to his home in Santa Barbara to pick up the pieces of his life and career.

Quinn Riley has been avoiding her past for four years. Standing up for the truth has forced her into a life of fear and isolation. After a "chance" first meeting and a Thanksgiving snowstorm, Quinn is drawn into the Spencer family's warm and loving world, and she begins to believe she might find freedom in their friendship.

The man Quinn helped put behind bars has recently been released, however, and she fears her past will endanger the entire Spencer family. As the danger heightens, she determines to leave town for the sake of the people who have come to mean so much to her.

Fixing problems is what Morgan Spencer does best, and he is not willing to let Quinn run away, possibly into the clutches of a man bent on revenge. But Morgan's solution sends him and Quinn on an unexpected path, with repercussions neither could have anticipated.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Breath of Dawn, go HERE.

Beyond the Storm by Carolyn Zane

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance introduces Beyond the Storm from Abingdon Press (October 2012)
by Carolyn Zane
Angie's Take: Beyond the Storm is the first book in the brand new Quilts of Love Books line from Abingdon Press. This makes Carolyn Zane one of my sister authors. I'm looking forward to following her in April 2013 with my book, A Healing Heart.

With a wonderful, quirky town of characters set in place, Ms. Zane drops in the unthinkable--a tornado. How in the world could good come out of such destruction? But she does it. We find love, loyalty, and a rich heritage of quilting people's lives back together in her book, Beyond the Storm. I like that the Abby has to work through her issues. Nothing happens by magic in life. There's a process. Abby finds out forgiveness gives her a bigger heart to love. Thank goodness for patient aunts, friends who don't let us slide, and great loves. Do you know what the beauty of a quilt is? It's the story behind the quilt. Carolyn Zane tells a beautiful story while she pieces together a town torn apart.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author of 35 books, wife, mother and yes…hot (flasher) lives with her fabulous husband, Matt and their 5 children and 3 dogs in the scenic Willamette Valley in Oregon. When asked to describe her family, Carolyn likens her crowd to the
Brangelia Bunch saying modestly, “Only we’re better looking.” Right now,Carolyn is back in the saddle with her new title: Beyond The Storm, coming out in October 2012! In the mean time, be sure to catch her on the critically acclaimed TOOHOTMAMAS Blog where Carolyn and Wendy tackle Marriage, motherhood and menopause: How to do all three and stay out of prison! They are hilarious! You'll wet yourself, guaranteed! Visit them at: www.toohotmamas.wordpress.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

After a tornado rips through her town, store owner Abigail comes across a piece of fabric from a wedding dress among the devastation. Abigail is moved to start collecting other swatches of fabric she finds – her neighbor’s kitchen curtains, a man’s necktie, a dog’s bed – which she stashes in shopping bags. As she pursues her seemingly absurd quest, horrible realities spark the question, “What kind of a God would allow such tragedy?”

As she struggles to reconcile her right to happiness amidst the destruction, Abigail begins piecing together a patchwork quilt from the salvaged fabric in hopes it will bring some peace. But a new relationship with Justin, a contractor, may require too much of her fragile heart. Will her pain and questions of faith give way to the courage to love?
If you would like to read the first chapter of Beyond the Storm, go HERE.

A Wreath of Snow

 Oh, oh, oh what a delightful read! Liz Curtis Higgs delivers a holiday delicacy in A Wreath of Snow. Perfect Christmas reading with the theme of forgiveness. But even more fun is getting to know the characters in their setting. Be sure to pop over to Liz's Pinterest page for her research trip photos of Stirling (in Scotland).--Angie
 

A Summary of A Wreath of Snow:

It’s Christmas Eve 1894 and all Meg Campbell wants for Christmas is a safe journey home. When her plans for a festive holiday with her family in Stirling crumble under the weight of her father’s harshness and her brother’s bitterness, the young schoolteacher wants nothing more than to return to the students she loves and the town house she cherishes in Edinburgh.  Then an unexpected detour places her in the path of Gordon Shaw, a handsome newspaperman, who struggles under a burden of remorse and shame. These two stranded travelers discover they have previously crossed paths and both are seeking peace and redemption. 

Liz Curtis Higgs:  

A master storyteller Liz’s talent shines in this seasonal novella. A New York Times bestselling author, Liz has written more than 30 books with 3 million copies in print, including the her most recent non-fiction The Girls Still Got It (July 2012/WaterBrook Press) and her popular Bad Girls of the Bible. Liz has done hundreds of radio interviews and appeared on national television shows such a “LIFE Today.” A popular Bible teacher, Liz is currently touring with Women of Faith.

A Wreath of Snow is a tender story of love and forgiveness, as warm as a woolen scarf on a cold winter’s eve. It is a celebration of all things Scottish, all things Victorian and all things Christmas. Check out Liz’s new website: www.myscottishheart.com

Praise for A Wreath of Snow
 
“I loved it. A Wreath of Snow is a wonderful story of redemption and restoration that will warm your heart during the Christmas season—or any time of year!”
—Francine Rivers, author of Redeeming Love
“When A Wreath of Snow arrived at my doorstep, I settled down to read just a few lines and instead devoured it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys heart-tugging stories of forgiveness and grace.”
—Tracie Peterson, author of the Land of the Lone Star series

 “A Wreath of Snow charms from first page to last, and Gordon and Meg will capture your heart. The story might even make you long for snow. Don’t miss this delightful novella. It’s a keeper!”
—Robin Lee Hatcher, author of Betrayal

Kicking Eternity by Ann Lee Miller

Hi friends, please welcome Ann Lee Miller as my guest post today.

Giveaway: Anyone who leaves a comment with an e-mail address (JaneReader[at]msn[dot]com) will receive a free e-book copy of Kicking Eternity. Those who don’t want to leave an e-mail may contact Ann for their free book at AnnLeeMiller.com

Kicking Eternity focuses on wrestling with dreams, determining which come from God, what motivates our desires. Some of us desperately want to follow God’s dreams. Others want to follow their own dreams, even in opposition to God. And some have yet to discover their dreams.

Raine, my heroine, has wanted to teach orphans in Africa her whole life. It’s a godly desire, and she is fully committed to Christ. But it’s an unexamined dream. Even when her father opposes her, she does not pause to determine whether this is truly the path God intends for her.

My passion for a career as a novelist is powerful and never flags. I need to be attentive to God, willing to surrender even this consuming drive I believe God planted in me. Obeying God is more important than fulfilling my dream. Raine discovers this in Kicking Eternity.

Part of Raine’s motivation is the desire for escape from a co-dependent relationship with her drug-addict brother. I’ve known missionaries who have been spurred to leave the country to escape dysfunction at home. I don’t see this as a negative. Often when God wants to move us from one place to another, He allows us to become dissatisfied with our present situation. I don’t believe it is somehow purer to follow God’s lead by sacrificing all. Even when God has called me to do difficult things like taking in a troubled teen or moving across the country, He’s given me the want-to.

Another character, Cal, refuses to consult God and pursues his own dreams. Cal’s dreams crash on the rocks and the reader can’t help but think he would have been better off consulting God. Cal traverses an entire second book, The Art of My Life, to come to this conclusion. A lot of people in my life walk this path. I long for them to realize that God loves them deeply and has satisfying things planned for their future.

Rebels aren’t the only ones with incorrect views of God. A godly young woman close to me said recently, “I don’t want to do this, so I think it’s what God wants me to do.”

When we do what we were created to do, we are fulfilled. I want to tell this young lady that something inside her will leap at the thought of doing the thing she was created to do even if it is difficult or requires self-sacrifice. God designed me to write. When I write, my heart sings.

Drew, the hero in my story, plods through life until God taps him on the shoulder. Drew steps through every door God throws open. His life takes on purpose and he gets the dream and the girl God thought up especially for him.

My dream was to live as a hermit writer on the North Carolina coast, a place I’d never seen. But God’s dream for me was a life packed with friends, husband and children, biological and of the heart, in the desert of Arizona. He knew better than I what would fulfill me. And I write.

http://www.AnnLeeMiller.com

Twitter @AnnLeeMiller

Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ann-Lee-Miller/356653761022022

Bio:

Ann Lee Miller earned a BA in creative writing from Ashland (OH) University and writes full-time in Phoenix, but left her heart in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where she grew up. She loves speaking to young adults and guest lectures on writing at several Arizona colleges. When she isn’t writing or muddling through some crisis—real or imagined—you’ll find her hiking in the Superstition Mountains with her husband or meddling in her kids’ lives.

About the Book:  Stuck in sleepy New Smyrna Beach one last summer, Raine socks away her camp pay checks, worries about her druggy brother, and ignores trouble: Cal Koomer. She’s a plane ticket away from teaching orphans in Africa, and not even Cal’s surfer six-pack and the chinks she spies in his rebel armor will derail her. The artist in Cal begs to paint Raine’s ivory skin, high cheek bones, and internal sparklers behind her eyes, but falling for her would caterwaul him into his parents’ live. No thanks. The girl was self-righteous waiting to happen. Mom served sanctimony like vegetables, three servings a day, and he had a gut full. Rec Director Drew taunts her with “Rainey” and calls her an enabler. He is so infernally there like a horsefly—till he buzzes back to his ex. Her dream of Africa dies small deaths. Will she figure out what to fight for and what to free before it’s too late?

Endorsements for Kicking Eternity

“In Kicking Eternity, Ann Lee Miller masterfully weaves the delicate web of emotions experienced in that turbulent ‘twenty-something’ stage of life. Powerful family dynamics, intense loyalty challenges, and tender new loves find their niche in your heart as this story unfolds layer by lovely layer.”

~Mesu Andrews, Author of  Revell titles Love’s Sacred Song, and Love Amid the Ashes, 2012 CBA New Author Book of the Year.

“Ann Lee Miller writes stories straight from the heart with characters who'll become friends, remaining with you long after you turn that final page. You won't want to miss Kicking Eternity!”

~Jenny B. Jones, Author of the Katie Parker Production Series from Think and The Charmed Life Series, and other single titles from Thomas Nelson.

"I've lost hours of sleep reading Ann Lee Miller's work due to her uncanny ability to yank me into a story with authentic, lovable, yet challenging characters."

~Lynn Rush, author of Wasteland, Awaited, and Prelude to Darkness from Crescent Moon Press

He Doesn’t Care About the Cupcakes

Please welcome my guest, Staci Stallings...

 Staci Stallings, the author of this article, is a Contemporary Christian author and the founder of Grace & Faith Author Connection. Check out Staci's brand new release..

I remember that day so very well.  I was young – four or five.  We did something unusual that day, unusual for my house at least.  We made cupcakes.  With my mom helping out on our family owned and operated dairy, there wasn’t much time for cupcake-baking.  But that day, for whatever reason, we made cupcakes.

At that point in time my grandfather, who later lost his sight to diabetes, could still see.  Also at that time he had several horses only a quarter-mile from our house.  That day my grandpa happened to be out with the horses, and one of us, my mom or me, decided that I should take him a cupcake.

Now from the time I was small, missions were very important to me.  I held my responsibilities in very high regard.  I didn’t want to simply do things – I wanted to do them perfectly.  So I set out, barefoot, from my house, cupcake in hand, bound for the pen where my grandpa was working.

However, when I got there, I found a huge problem for a little girl with a cupcake in her hand – the fence that separated me from Grandpa’s side.  There was a gate connecting the fence.  It was an old gray aluminum number with about four horizontal slats held together with one long diagonal slat.  At five or so feet tall, it was a monster.

Worse, whatever held it upright didn’t hold it steady.  So the gate swayed dangerously top down with any pressure applied to it.  For little me, that gate presented a big problem.  I wasn’t big enough to open it.  I couldn’t yell loud enough for Grandpa to hear me.  So as I surveyed the situation in my little mind, I decided my only option was to climb the thing.

I only hope that now I would be smart enough to set the cupcake through the gate before I started climbing.  Unfortunately, I didn’t think that far ahead that day.  Instead, cupcake in hand, I started climbing.

The journey was going pretty well until I got to the top.  As I hiked my first let over the top slat, I ran out of hands to keep me stable just as the gate swayed the other direction.  I remember Grandpa yelling for me to stop and wait.  I remember saying something like, “Grandpa, look!  I brought you a cupcake.”

The next thing I remember is hitting the hard ground on the other side with a body-whacking thud.  The next thing I remember is seeing the cupcake smashed into a flat, chocolate mud pie next to me.

Grandpa made it to me about ten seconds after I hit the ground. I was absolutely hysterical. He picked me up and held me, telling me it would be okay and asking if I was hurt.

All I could think was I had smashed the cupcake. His cupcake. I had failed the mission.  I had let him down.

It took me many long years to learn the lesson of that day.  The truth was:  He didn’t care about the stupid cupcake.  He cared about me.

I learned this only when I realized that is exactly how God is with us.  We’re all worried about the cupcakes we’ve made and are bringing to Him – like our accomplishments and our good deeds and our ministries.  But the reality is He doesn’t care about our cupcakes – He cares about us!  And it really doesn’t matter to Him if our cupcakes get smashed along the way or if they were ever perfect in the first place.  All He cares about is being able to hold us so he can ask what’s wrong, where are we hurt, and being able to hold us until we’re all better.

It took me a long time to be grateful for falling over that gate, but now that I see the lesson, those cupcakes, those missions, and being perfect don’t seem nearly as important.  What’s important, all that’s important, is He loves me.  Everything else is cupcakes, and He doesn’t care about the cupcakes.

To Protect & Serve 

The Courage Series, Book 1

Houston firefighter, Jeff Taylor is a fireman's fireman. No situation is too dangerous to keep him sidelined if lives are on the line. However, when control freak Lisa Matheson falls for him, she quickly realizes she can't control Jeff or the death wish he seems to have... To save other's lives, they will risk their own

Buy it on Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Protect-Serve-Courage-Series-ebook/dp/B008391QB2/ref=sr_1_22?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1337091378&sr=1-22

Buy it on Barnes & Noble Nook:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/to-protect-serve-staci-stallings/1110805844?ean=2940014423410

"To Protect and Serve will hold you prisoner to its pages until the final one is turned. Prepare to cry, laugh, wish, love and maybe even cry again as you become enveloped in the hopes and feelings of Lisa and Jeff."

-Cindy Reige

Copyright Staci Stallings, 2005